GK One-Liners

What: India is nearing the launch of its first compliance-based Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS), a market mechanism under which industrial units must meet mandatory emission reduction targets. Approximately 490 industrial units across 7 sectors have been assigned specific emission intensity targets. This shifts India from voluntary carbon offsets to a regulated, enforceable carbon market framework.

How: Under the scheme, covered industrial units that reduce emissions below their assigned targets earn tradeable carbon credits. Units that exceed their targets must purchase credits from the market or face penalties. The mechanism draws from the Energy Conservation (Amendment) Act, 2022, which empowered the Central Government to establish a domestic carbon market and is administered through the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE).

Why: This topic sits at the intersection of environment (GS3) and economy—a favourite zone for UPSC. It connects to India’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement, the Net Zero 2070 target, and the broader Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT) scheme legacy. Expect Prelims questions on the legal basis and Mains questions linking carbon markets to India’s climate diplomacy.

What: The Union Cabinet has approved the renaming of Kerala to ‘Keralam’, honouring the state’s identity in Malayalam. The decision follows a resolution passed by the Kerala Legislative Assembly in 2024 requesting the name change. Implementation requires an amendment to the First Schedule of the Constitution under Article 3.

How: Under Article 3, Parliament has the power to alter the name of any state by passing a simple majority law, provided the Bill is first referred to the concerned state legislature for its views. The President’s recommendation is required before such a Bill is introduced. Notably, unlike Article 368 amendments, this does not require a special majority or state ratification.

Why: This is a high-value Polity topic for both Prelims and Mains. It tests understanding of Article 3 versus Article 4, the distinction between constitutional amendments and ordinary legislation, and the role of the state legislature (advisory, not binding). Previous state renamings (Orissa → Odisha, 2011) are useful comparisons. Frequently asked in UPSC, SSC, and State PSC exams.

What: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman launched the National Monetisation Pipeline (NMP) 2.0 with a monetisation target of ₹16.72 lakh crore over the period FY26–FY30. This is 2.6 times higher than the original NMP 1.0 target. The pipeline has been formulated by NITI Aayog (National Institution for Transforming India) and covers brownfield infrastructure assets across roads, railways, power, and telecom.

How: Asset monetisation does not involve selling government assets; instead, it transfers operational rights to private entities for a fixed period through models like Toll-Operate-Transfer (TOT), Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs), and long-term concessions. The government retains ownership while unlocking capital for new greenfield infrastructure. NMP 2.0 expands the asset base and includes additional sectors compared to version 1.0.

Why: NMP is a staple topic for GS3 (Economy — Infrastructure, Investment Models). It connects to Atmanirbhar Bharat, public-private partnerships, and fiscal consolidation themes. UPSC Prelims may test the formulating body (NITI Aayog), target amounts, or the monetisation model. Mains can frame questions on the effectiveness of asset recycling versus privatisation and its role in India’s infrastructure push.

What: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) released PRAHAAR on February 23, 2026 — India’s first-ever unified counter-terrorism policy document. It adopts a zero-tolerance, whole-of-government approach to tackling terrorism across all its manifestations. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has been designated as the focal investigation body under this framework.

How: PRAHAAR integrates the efforts of multiple security agencies — intelligence, law enforcement, border security, and financial intelligence — under a single doctrinal umbrella. It emphasises pre-emption, rapid response, inter-agency coordination, and choking terror financing networks. The whole-of-government approach means that not just security agencies but also financial regulators, technology bodies, and diplomatic channels work in concert.

Why: Internal security is a dedicated section in GS3 for UPSC Mains, and a unified doctrine is a landmark development. Questions can be framed around the role of NIA (established under NIA Act, 2008), the difference between policy and doctrine, and India’s evolving counter-terrorism architecture. For Prelims, remember the name PRAHAAR (double ‘A’), the releasing ministry (MHA), and the date.

What: India and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have formally launched Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations. The GCC comprises six member states — Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman. Bilateral trade between India and GCC stood at USD 178.56 billion in FY 2024–25, making the GCC India’s largest trading partner bloc. Nearly 10 million Indians live and work in GCC nations.

How: FTA negotiations will cover trade in goods, services, investment protection, and rules of origin. India seeks improved market access for its IT services, pharmaceuticals, gems and jewellery, and textiles, while GCC nations are interested in food security partnerships and Indian skilled labour. The negotiations build upon existing bilateral frameworks like the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) signed in 2022.

Why: India’s FTA strategy is a recurring theme in GS2 (International Relations) and GS3 (Economy — External Trade). Key facts for Prelims include GCC membership (6 countries), trade volume, and the diaspora figure. For Mains, this connects to India’s Act East + Look West policy balance, energy security (GCC supplies ~40% of India’s crude oil), and remittance inflows — India is the world’s largest remittance recipient, with a significant share from the Gulf.

What: The Indian Air Force (IAF) conducted the full dress rehearsal of Exercise Vayu Shakti-26 at the Pokhran range in Rajasthan. This biennial firepower demonstration features day-to-dusk-to-night operations and showcases the IAF’s combat capabilities. The main event is scheduled for February 27, 2026.

How: The exercise involves live weapons firing and combat manoeuvres using frontline platforms including the Su-30 MKI (air superiority fighter), MiG-29 (multi-role fighter), and Chinook heavy-lift helicopters. It demonstrates precision strike capabilities, close air support, and networked warfare integration. Vayu Shakti is conducted biennially (every two years) and serves as both a capability display and operational training exercise.

Why: Defence exercises are a staple in Prelims — especially names, locations, and participating forces. Remember: Vayu Shakti = IAF + Pokhran + biennial. Other frequently tested IAF exercises include Gagan Shakti (operational readiness), Tarang Shakti (multinational), and Red Flag (India-US). Pokhran is also historically significant as the site of India’s Smiling Buddha (1974) and Shakti (1998) nuclear tests — a useful Mains connection.